2007 San Francisco Flower and Garden Show

2007 San Francisco Flower and Garden Show

The emphasis was on design —? from austere modernism to funky psychedelic — at San Francisco's annual Flower and Garden Show in March, but there were also plenty of plants — from gaudy orchids to dramatic succulents —? to admire and buy. Here are just a few highlights and observations:

Succulents are hot. The top award for display gardens went to Organic Mechanics' garden, fancifully full of succulents. Most packed sales booth belonged to Succulent Gardens. I came home with a dark Aeonium and a pink-rimmed echeveria.

Who says California natives aren't good container plants? East Bay Wilds displayed pots full of beautiful natives, including a blooming California trillium ?— first time I'd ever seen one in a pot.

Garden Design's own booth proved that you can make a spa (Sundance Spas) fit seamlessly into a garden —? the right surrounding decking makes the difference. Among other highlights: the compact Kalamazoo grill, like a piece of sculpture; the elegant overhead and stone walls from Eldorado, and the funky circular pattern of pavestones from Oldcastle/Belgard. Kudos to designer Michele Swanson and builder Thomas Raeth.

Another eye-catcher was right as you walked in the front door — the big booth of Eye of the Day. Its big blue pots were classically elegant.

Show visitors got to hear from some amazing speakers, including two world-class landscape architects who served as show judges: Arizona's Steve Martino and Mexico's Mario Schjetnan. Get a sample of their work on their web sites.

Author Amy Stewart was one of many popular book signers and speakers. Check out her revealing new book, Flower Confidential as well as her always lively blog, Garden Rant.

For one-of-a-kind designs, you couldn't beat the cushy green meadow by John Greenlee; and the serene Asian-inspired outdoor room by Living Green.

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Garden Design magazine features ideas and well-researched insights from the work of the top designers and landscape architects, as well as material selections, furnishings, plant combinations, and outdoor style.